I've never owned a Blackberry. For a while now I've been wanting a very early Blackberry, and this model seems to fit the bill.

If members don't mind me hitting them with a few questions...

How do you navigate menus with the 7290? As it doesn't have a rollerball or a directional button, I can't see how you could move in different directions through the menus. Do you have to use shortcuts?

Also, I've read on various sites that if you charge a 7290 with a wall charger, it only charges to around 95%, or less. But if you charge it by connecting it to a computer it charges to 100%, and in order to do that you have to establish a connection before it'll charge. I also read that you have to run the battery down very low before charging, in order for it to fully charge. Is any of this true?

Finally, is there any known annoying or niggly problems associated with this phone that I should consider before buying it?

Be advised that BlackBerrys are different. A BlackBerry is not just another phone. And the 7290 is an antique.

Ah, the trackwheel on the side, get ya. I want a 7290 because I like the style of it, and models like it, visually. Plus, it's the latest, and most advanced model of that style, with the most memory, the previous versions being the 6230 and 7230.

You say "different", in what way? I understand it's a PDA, like the Sony Ericsson P series, I've had one of those. In what other ways is it "different" and not just 'another phone'?

You will need a BlackBerry data plan - data service specifically for BlackBerrys - in order to use the BlackBerry apps, as well as many third-party data apps.

You will probably find that you are unable to do things as easily or even at all that you take for granted on other smartphones. Some of this is because of BlackBerry security, and some is just because of the way it is with BlackBerry, and then you also will be using an old device with an old OS, which will limit you further.

Search the forum and read the complaints from people who didn't know what they were getting. Use the key words "I can't believe" and scroll.

I'm not saying BlackBerrys are bad, just they aren't for everyone.Posted via BlackBerryForums.com Mobile

You will need a BlackBerry data plan - data service specifically for BlackBerrys - in order to use the BlackBerry apps, as well as many third-party data apps.Posted via BlackBerryForums.com Mobile

Sorry for my lack of knowledge, but what sort of applications? Does this include picture messaging? If I try to use this phone like you would a standard Nokia etc, and not take advantage of extra apps such as what you get on iphones, would I notice much difference? Why do you have to have a data plan, and why would anyone pay extra just to use a Blackberry?

This is why I asked you why you want a 7290. What do you need that will be met by a BlackBerry.

The phone part of the BlackBerry does what other phones do, but the BlackBerry is much more than a phone. If you want push email, BlackBerry messenger, the BlackBerry web browser, and so forth, you need a BlackBerry data plan.

The BlackBerry data plan is typically not in addition to regular smartphone data service, but instead of. And people pay for it because (a) it isn't free, and (b) because it is useful to them.Posted via BlackBerryForums.com Mobile

This is why I asked you why you want a 7290. What do you need that will be met by a BlackBerry.

The phone part of the BlackBerry does what other phones do, but the BlackBerry is much more than a phone. If you want push email, BlackBerry messenger, the BlackBerry web browser, and so forth, you need a BlackBerry data plan.

The BlackBerry data plan is typically not in addition to regular smartphone data service, but instead of. And people pay for it because (a) it isn't free, and (b) because it is useful to them.Posted via BlackBerryForums.com Mobile

Sorry for being a pain, and thank you for your patience, I know I'm such a newb.

I collect, and very much enjoy using, older 'classic' mobile phones, I'm currently using a 2005 Sony Ericsson K600i, and have another one brand new in the box. I'm a massive fan of its styling, its 1.3 MP camera is good enough, and I like the menu systems in Sony Ericsson phones. I fancy trying out a Blackberry because they have the attractive qwerty keypad, which I've read is great for texting with on the 7290. If I buy one I won't be using any apps, or the internet - as I have my laptop for that. I like to be a bit different, and use a phone that people don't see every day. I just want a classic phone with a bit of history to it, that I can use every day for making calls and sending texts, receiving/sending picture messages, and using its alarm clock, writing notes etc, as I do with my other phones. The 7290 just seemed like the one I would go for as you can pick them up cheaply. Would it be OK for my needs?

You can use a BlackBerry just as a phone. I don't know about your carrier (service provider), but some force customers to pay for a data plan if they use a smartphone on the carrier's network. This is the case with several carriers in the United States. If your carrier doesn't do this, then you are good in that respect.Posted via BlackBerryForums.com Mobile

On your battery questions, the 7290 uses a lithium ion battery. That is the same battery technology used in current BlackBerrys.

You do not need to run the battery completely down before recharging. In fact, you do not want to routinely run the battery flat.

I don't know about reports of the wall charger not fully charging the battery. I would think any reports like that are evidence of an individual problem and not the rule.

If you get a 7290, who knows what you are going to encounter with such an old device. But then again, those old models are built like tanks and probably have a service life of 100 years. If you do buy a new battery, however, get a genuine BlackBerry battery for the 7290 and not a knockoff.Posted via BlackBerryForums.com Mobile

One other point, and I'm not sure about this. I believe I've read that you need a BlackBerry data plan to do MMS with BlackBerrys. Some carriers will activate some add-on for free for BlackBerry customers without BlackBerry dataplans to allow MMS, or so I recall. Nothing extra is needed for SMS, I think. At any rate, talk to your carrier's customer service and find out for sure.Posted via BlackBerryForums.com Mobile

Thank you very much for all the information, aiharkness. I just bought a 7290.

I phoned my carrier beforehand and asked if they would expect me to pay for a data plan for using a Blackberry, and they said no. It's my choice if I want to pay for one. As I don't intend accessing any extra apps or using the internet, I'm not setting up a data plan. I only want to use the phone for making calls and sending texts.

You said a 1.3MP camera on your SE phone is fine. There is NO camera on the 7290. And the only apps are the ones that come standard with it. Not only are apps not being developed, but you wouldn't have the memory to install them even if they were available.

I love some of the older models. They take me back to a simpler time and fulfill my lust for nostalgia. If all you want is phone, SMS, and PIM functions, by all means go for it. Just be aware that email will be limited to plaintext, no HTML, and you'll pay modern data plan prices for old-style email. And on GPRS you can forget about web browsing. "Painfully slow" won't even begin to describe it.

Hi everyone, my Blackberry has arrived! I've been trying it out tonight and seeing what its functions are, and it's certainly a very advanced piece of kit!

I've noticed that when you switch it on, you have to turn wireless on in order for it to function as a phone. It then searches for a network and once found you're on the go. Do you have to turn wireless on every time you switch it on? Or is there an option to make it turn it on automatically?

I have an issue with my contacts. Finding your contacts is long winded. You need to select 'addresses' - it says *no addresses*, then press 'find', then scroll down to 'SIM phone book' and select, then your contacts finally appear. Is there a way to make it quicker and easier for you to access your contacts?

And there is a massive issue with messaging. Whenever I recieve a new message it says 'SIM card full'. But it isn't. The real biggie though, is when you go into messages, it isn't laid out in folders i.e. inbox, sent items etc, they're all bundled together with the date above, and it's hard to distinguish which message you've sent to someone else, or you've received. And most annoyingly, it displays the person's phone number rather than their name. I have too many contacts to remember what number is who's. Can this be corrected or modified?

First impressions though - nice phone, and very in-depth with lots of functions. I just need to get the above issues sorted.

You shouldn't have to switch Wireless on everytime, however if the battery gets too low, it will shut off the Wireless radio and you will need to turn it on again.

You should be able to import the contacts from your SIM card onto the phone memory

Regarding Messages, are you talking about email or SMS.

The phone numbers displaying other than the names will be corrected when the contacts are added to the phone's memory.

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